Press Release Template

[COMPANY LOGO]

This should be relatively large, so that it easily catches peoples’ eyes and attention right from the start.

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

[Name of PR Contact]

[Position in Organization]

[Email Address]– For professional reasons, use company or organization contact email

[Phone Number] – Optional/ up to discretion

[LARGE AND ATTENTION GRABBING HEADLINE

USUALLY TAKES UP 2 LINES] – Center aligned

[CITY, State, Date] – Start your introductory paragraph here. Remember you are only introducing your event/announcement and providing the most basic information, including Who, What, When, and Where. Leave the “Why” for below. Generally should not be more than 3-4 lines.

This second paragraph should provide more background information on the issue, maybe list some important names, including who is leading the event, or what this event hopes to accomplish(ed). Basically, this gets into the bulk of what occurred or will occur, providing details of your topic. This is usually the longest paragraph, but remember not to use any adjectives or any “fluff” words to show any sort of bias! You are still reporting the news.

The third paragraph can maybe contain a quote, if it is beneficial to learning about the announcement or topic. If a CEO is stepping down, it would be beneficial to quote him. If you are announcing an annual large scale fundraiser, it may be a good idea to get a quote from the point person leading the event, or maybe quoting what he/she hopes to see from it.

Lastly, the conclusion paragraph can speak more about the topic. If it is an annual event, maybe explain when it started, or what it aims to do each year. Maybe talk about how the announcement or event is crucial to your organization as a whole, and how this issue will benefit the mission of your organization. Include any last minute “facts” here – statements that were not crucial to the “why” part, but facts that are still crucial to what is happening with the issue/topic.

[BOILERPLATE]

This last section should be a small paragraph describing the organization and what it offers to the general public. (In Circle K’s context, the community). Below is a sample boilerplate for the CNH district, but try to tailor your boilerplate more towards your club or division, whichever you are writing the release for. Remember if you are releasing multiple press releases throughout the year, the boilerplate should remain the same throughout! (For streamlined, professional purposes).

[Founded in 1934, Circle K International is an international collegiate service organization that aims to promote service, leadership, and fellowship to all communities alike. It currently has over 13,000 members across multiple districts across the globe. The Cal-Nev-Ha District formed in 1954, consisting of members from all over California, Nevada, and Hawaii. For more information on the Cal-Nev-Ha District of Circle K International and its events, visit www.cnhcki.org].

[###]

These 3 marks are put at the end to indicate the official end of any press release.

By Cherie Leung, Communications Chair 2015-2016 District Public Relations Committee